Earning bonus points through American Express Local Champion

February 2, 2016

I’m always on the look out for some points earning opportunities, and one of the hidden surprises I found within the American Express iPhone app was “Local Champion” - a way to earn bonus points at merchants you spend at regularly.

I’m a regular at a few local stores and restaurants, and love the idea of getting bonus points just by going out!

How to use it?

To use Local Champion you’ll need a card issued by American Express Australia that’s eligible for Membership Rewards. This includes most of the charge cards as well as the Platinum credit cards. Cards such as the Qantas cards or those issued by a bank aren’t eligible.

When you login to the app you will see an interface with how many points you have earned along with how you’re tracking at places that you’ve selected as one of your merchants.

If you click Edit Places you can add up to 10 merchants that you’d like to “Play” at. If you remove a merchant and add it again in the future your transaction count will be reset, so remember this.

The purpose of the game is to be the local with the most number of transactions at a merchant so once you have this you will see that you’re the “Local Champion” for that merchant. Once this status is gained you will automatically receive a bonus point at each merchant on your Membership Rewards statement such as this transaction at a local restaurant.

I think it’s a fun way to earn a few bonus points - and of course support your local favourite venues.

What if I don’t have a supported card?

If you don’t have a card that supports local champion you can consider applying for the American Express Platinum Card and earn up to 4 points per dollar with the local champion bonus. If you’re not already an American Express cardmember you will receive a bonus 120,000 points.

You also receive a multitude of other benefits including access to over 800 airport lounges around the world, status with multiple hotel programs, a $200 travel credit each year and access to the American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts program

Disclaimer: If you apply and are approved I will also receive some bonus points.